HD Kumaraswamy begins weeklong Singapore trip

September 18, 2014

Bangalore, Sep 18: JD(S) leader and former chief minister H?D?Kumaraswamy has begun a week-long Singapore trip. Speaking to media persons before boarding the plane he said that he is leaving country for a week for a master health checkup.

œWhile there is nothing alarming about my health, I have been told by doctors to reduce my weight by 15 kilos. This is because of a heart surgery I underwent in December 2007, he said.

The Ramanagar MLA?had gone to Singapore for three days earlier this year for the same purpose.He said since his operation, seldom had he taken a break from politics. He said he needed the time away from the hectic chores of his political life.

On the formation of the party core committee, Kumaraswamy said his father and JD(S)?national president H?D?Deve Gowda was waiting for Pitrupaksha (considered an inauspicious month)?to end before releasing the list of names for the committee.

œThe list is more or less finalised. Once the month is over, we will release the names of the members of the core committee. The decision to anoint the State president will also be taken after the formation of the core committee, he said.

Attacking the Congress government, Kumaraswamy said the chief minister and other ministers visited the flood-hit districts just for the sake of visiting. œHaving visited those villages, it is quite evident that the extent of relief measures has been very little.

While the government has stated that it has released several crores of rupees towards relief, there is little evidence to show that the money has been spent. In Raichur, the government is claiming that it has released Rs 18 crore for relief measures, but in reality, the money spent in the district is only Rs two crore, he alleged.

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Flight cancellations strand passengers overnight at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

December 4,2025

Mangaluru: Chaos erupted at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) after IndiGo flight 6E 5150, bound for Mumbai, was repeatedly delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving around 100 passengers stranded overnight. The incident highlights the ongoing country-wide operational disruptions affecting the airline, largely due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for crew.

The flight was initially scheduled for 9:25 PM on Tuesday but was first postponed to 11:40 PM, then midnight, before being cancelled around 3:00 AM. Passengers expressed frustration over last-minute communication and the lack of clarity, with elderly and ailing travellers particularly affected. “Though the airline arranged food, there was no proper communication, leaving us confused,” said one family member.

An IndiGo executive at MIA cited the FDTL rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue by limiting crew working hours, as the cause of the cancellation. While alternative arrangements, including hotel stays, were offered, about 100 passengers chose to remain at the airport, creating tension. A replacement flight was arranged but also faced delays due to the same constraints, finally departing for Mumbai around 1:45 PM on Wednesday. Passengers either flew, requested refunds, or postponed their travel.

The Mangaluru delay is part of a broader crisis for IndiGo. The airline has been forced to make “calibrated schedule adjustments”—a euphemism for widespread cancellations and delays—after stricter FDTL norms came into effect on November 1.

While an IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged unavoidable flight disruptions due to technology issues, operational requirements, and the updated crew rostering rules, the DGCA has intervened, summoning senior airline officials to explain the chaos and outline corrective measures.

The ripple effect has been felt across the country, with major hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai reporting numerous cancellations. The Mangaluru incident underscores the systemic operational strain currently confronting India’s largest carrier, leaving passengers nationwide grappling with uncertainty and delays.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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